Nanostructured Filler Reinforced Elastomer Composites

This PhD project will to develop novel elastomer composites for use in tools used in oil and gas and geothermal drilling operations. Elastomers are used as dynamic and static seals which are subjected to very large strains and rapid cyclical loading under extreme environments. Elastomers have to operate in extreme conditions that include high temperature and pressure regimes as well as encountering constant exposure to aggressive chemical environments. This project plans to identify and characterise suitable nano-reinforcement systems and establish the link between the reinforcing material morphology and the mechanical and physical properties of the resulting composite materials.